Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 235 (Wednesday, December 8, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68628-68629]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-31473]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-296-AD; Amendment 39-11449; AD 99-25-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 
4101 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 
airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection of the bottom aft roller 
of the main baggage-bay door structure for cracking or damage to the 
sub-frame; repetitive operational tests to determine if the counter-
balance motor functions properly; and corrective actions, if necessary. 
This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. 
The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent sub-frame 
damage, which, if left undetected, could cause rapid decompression of 
the airplane and consequent injury to passengers and crew.

DATES: Effective January 12, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of January 12, 2000.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 
13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. This information may be 
examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport 
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-
2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain British Aerospace 
(Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes was published in the Federal Register 
on October 8, 1999 (64 FR 54795). That action proposed to require a 
one-time inspection of the bottom aft roller of the main baggage-bay 
door structure for cracking or damage to the sub-frame; repetitive 
operational tests to determine if the counter-balance motor functions 
properly; and corrective actions, if necessary.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 43 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD.
    It will take approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspection required by 
this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $7,740, or $180 per 
airplane.
    It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the required test, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based 
on these figures, the cost impact of the test required by this AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,580, or $60 per airplane, per test 
cycle.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) Is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) Will not have a 
significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial 
number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the

[[Page 68629]]

Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

99-25-06  British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream 
Aircraft Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]: 
Amendment 39-11449. Docket 98-NM-296-AD.

    Applicability: British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 
airplanes, as listed in Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-060, dated 
August 31, 1998; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent sub-frame damage, which, if left undetected, could 
cause rapid decompression of the airplane and consequent injury to 
passengers and crew, accomplish the following:

Visual Inspection

    (a) Within 1,500 landings or within 5 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform a one-time general 
visual inspection of the bottom aft roller of the main baggage bay 
door structure to check for cracking or damage to the sub-frame in 
accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-060, dated August 
31, 1998. If any cracking or damage is found, prior to further 
flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by either the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate; or the Civil Aviation Authority (or its delegated 
agent). For a repair method to be approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, as required by this paragraph, the 
Manager's approval letter must specifically reference this AD.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being check.''

Operational Test

    (b) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
an operational test to determine if the counter-balance motor of the 
main baggage bay door functions properly in accordance with 
Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-060, dated August 31, 1998. Repeat 
the operational test thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5 days. 
If the motor fails during any operational test, within 10 flights 
after accomplishing the test, either replace the motor with a new 
motor or repair in accordance with the service bulletin, and 
accomplish the actions specified in paragraph (a) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. 
Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) Except as provided by paragraph (a) of this AD, the actions 
shall be done in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-
060, dated August 31, 1998. This incorporation by reference was 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from 
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen 
Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in British 
airworthiness directive 005-08-98.

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on January 12, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 24, 1999.
D. L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-31473 Filed 12-7-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U